133 - I’m Really Not an NPC

Lan Yue let out a chuckle when he saw Liu Li's solemn expression, shaking his head and saying, "Liu Li, I think you're worrying too much. You should know, the NPCs in the Cultivation World are fictional, but they're all based on the Xuan World settings." "Consider that Yue Ling is only 17 years old now. How powerful could she be?" Liu Li maintained a serious demeanor, responding, "Yao Zun Shi Fang is personally involved. You mustn't underestimate her." Lan Yue laughed heartily and questioned, "Do you know who Yue Ling's master is? That's right, the Teian Sect's leader, Su Zi! If Su Zi suddenly arrived, who could stand against her other than Yao Zun Shi Fang? Shi Fang is here just in case." Liu Li shook his head, saying, "If it's about dealing with Su Zi, even five of Shi Fang wouldn't be enough." Lan Yue scoffed, "What do you understand? A few days ago, Su Zi exhausted herself performing a Heaven-Reversing-level divination to rescue Yue Ling. Yao Zun Shi Fang is more than enough to handle her now." "Heaven-Reversing-level divination?" Liu Li was visibly surprised and asked in astonishment, "How do you know?" Lan Yue raised his head proudly, remarking indifferently, "Hmph, that's none of your concern." Liu Li lowered his head in contemplation, slightly confused, internally wondering, "Could it be that I'm mistaken?" "Come on, Liu Li, even though Lan Yue sounds a bit confrontational, he's not wrong," Can Mei came over, smiling as she tried to mediate. "While Yue Ling is formidable, she's definitely not the key figure in this regional event. After all, a single human girl isn't worth all of us monsters joining forces over." Lan Yue nodded slightly, "Indeed, my guess is the real challenge we need full strength for this time is the Teian Sect's leader, Su Zi!" Liu Li still harbored some concerns, "But the rumors from the human side..." Lan Yue impatiently interrupted, "Stop mentioning those human rumors. Isn’t it like how we inflated Kui Ye's fame to make him seem invincible, a mighty enemy to Su Zi? It's all tactics to confuse the opposition." Liu Li finally nodded slowly, convinced by their arguments, then asked, "Anyway, we shall see. Who will go first?" Lan Yue boldly declared, "Naturally, I'll go first! I am second on the Shi Fang Ranking. Who dares compare to me other than Bai Hui?" Can Mei teasingly remarked, "Lan Yue, that might not be a good idea. Isn't it customary for ladies to go first nowadays?" Liu Li shook his head, "Let Lan Yue go. His strength is the greatest, and I still feel Yue Ling might not be as weak as you think. Better safe than sorry." Another interjected, "That won’t do; I think we should have a contest. Whoever wins gets to go first!" "Good idea!" Everyone agreed, for none could guarantee that the first one to test Yue Ling wouldn’t succeed in defeating her and claiming a reward. As the top ten players among the monster clan’s elite, they were powerful enough to take down a level 30 BOSS solo. Rumor had it that this Lingquan Valley was a level 30 secret realm, and Yue Ling could just be a level 30 NPC. By now, the many broadcasters from the Shi Fang realm of monsters had gathered at Lingquan Valley, bustling around to find the ideal spot for streaming. This regional event had captured the attention of the entire Shi Fang realm's players, with broadcasters even fighting over better streaming locations to secure a larger audience. "Hey, Xiao Huang, why are you going to the front?" a young girl in a green dress shouted in surprise. The sleek-haired yellow cow grumbled, "I want to witness the battle between the great masters from up close." The girl anxiously replied, "Are you trying to get yourself killed? Let's just stay here, okay?" A Bi, being a small-time broadcaster with low cultivation, was nearly devoured by a carnivorous plant on the way but was thankfully saved by Xiao Huang. After much persuasion, she finally convinced him to protect her on the journey, so she couldn't just watch him rush to his death. "No, I must go!" Xiao Huang insisted with determination. "Wow, that yellow cow is really going all out. Shouldn't you, as the streamer, learn a thing or two?" "What for? Watching the stream safely is just as good. Why take risks?" Seeing Xiao Huang move further away, A Bi stamped her foot in frustration and yelled, "Hey, wait for me!" At Lingquan Valley, all the monsters who were meant to come, and those who wished to, had arrived. Once serene and peaceful, Lingquan Valley was now teeming with voices and vibrantly bustling, fervently discussing the event that shook the entire Shi Fang realm. Suddenly, the numerous chatting monsters noticed the air turn slightly cooler. Those with higher cultivation among the monsters sensed something, one by one raising their heads to gaze toward the entrance of Lingquan Valley. As more and more monsters looked up, those with lesser cultivation finally realized and quickly halted their discussions, looking over in surprise. From the fog-shrouded Lingquan Valley, out walked a graceful young woman, dressed in a gown as white as snow with water-blue patterns accentuating it. The hem of her skirt fluttered lightly while her sleeves gently swayed, exuding a uniquely human aesthetic. Liu Li’s gaze sharpened as he murmured to himself, "Teian Sect, Ziyun level…" The girl displayed bright eyes and flawless skin, with brows like crescent moons. Her absolutely perfect beauty left all the monster players breathless. "She's so beautiful..." "Truly worthy of being called the most beautiful woman among humans, Yue Ling!" "This kind of beauty transcends racial bounds; I haven't witnessed such in many years." … The girl's steps were light yet steady, each landing with identical precision. Gradually, an unsettling aura began to coalesce in the air, slowly bringing the monsters back to their senses. The girl's footsteps suddenly paused, standing still. Instantly, an inexplicable pressure surged forth, tightening everyone's hearts. The cold system notification sounded abruptly. [Warning! BOSS Yue Ling has appeared!] It's here! All hearts tightened, slowly gripping their weapons. Suddenly, from the closest position to Yue Ling, a blue figure darted out, charging directly at Yue Ling. Lan Yue shouted loudly, "Everyone else stay where you are, don't blame me for being ruthless!" Seeing this, Liu Li was startled and urgently shouted, "Lan Yue, be careful, she's Ziyun level!" But the heroically charging Lan Yue couldn't hear him anymore. All the monster players were taken aback. "Lan Yue… he went in alone?" "This is what being second on the Shi Fang ranking looks like? Incredible audacity, daring a one-on-one with the BOSS." "What's the fuss over a mere 17-year-old human girl? Shouldn't we be preparing for Su Zi’s arrival?" "Exactly, didn't Lan Yue defeat a level 32 BOSS single-handedly yesterday? Did you see that video? Terrifying!" "Pity this human girl, so beautiful, yet doomed for a gruesome death. Those who fall to Lan Yue rarely leave a whole corpse." … Mid-air, Lan Yue coldly shouted, "Yue Ling, prepare to die!" His body erupted in a terrifying red blood light, tinting half the mountainside in a crimson hue. His form suddenly expanded to over ten meters tall, clasping his palms together before his chest as a golden tiger deity manifested behind him, slowly opening its eyes. "No way, an Original Shape Manifestation!" "How can he manifest this early? This is a talent only comprehended when one achieves perfect synchronization with their divine form!" "With the Original Shape Manifestation doubling his attributes, Yue Ling is done for..."